Brenda Jewell (left) poses for a photo with her husband, Brent, and daughter, Kayleigh, after collecting her $1 million prize.

A Cheboygan woman felt ill after learning she’d won a $1 million Mega Millions prize from the Michigan Lottery.

Brenda Jewell, 49, matched the five white balls drawn – 05-12-15-46-49 – in Tuesday’s drawing to win a $1 million prize. She bought the winning ticket at Dave’s Place, located at 9851 North Straits Highway in Cheboygan.

“I checked my numbers and just felt shaky and sick,” said Jewell. “I’ve played for years and dreamed of winning, but you never think it’s going to happen to you.

“I called my husband and daughter right away. My husband didn’t believe me at first and told me to call the Lottery office before he left work to make sure I had won.”

Jewell’s winning ticket.

Jewell visited Lottery headquarters with her husband on Wednesday to claim the big prize. With her winnings, she’s going to take a vacation with her husband, build a new house, and then save the remainder.

“It still hasn’t really hit me yet that I won. I can’t wait to be debt free and be able to actually breathe and not worry about my finances,” Jewell said.

Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2. For an additional $1 per play, players have the opportunity to add a “Megaplier” that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times.

Mega Millions tickets for tonight’s drawing may be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com and at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m.